If there’s one thing Brooks Koepka has always been, it’s brutally honest. Rewind to the 2023 Masters—Koepka was caught on camera venting about LIV Golf’s 54-hole format, hinting that if he had been playing full-length events more often, he might not have let a major win slip away. Naturally, that got people talking. Was he having second thoughts about his move to LIV? But then, just a few weeks later, he shut down the doubters by winning the PGA Championship, proving he could still dominate on the biggest stage—no matter where he played. And that straight-talking, no-nonsense attitude is what’s landed him in the middle of yet another heated debate—this time about his potential return to the PGA Tour.

Fast-forward to 2025, and Koepka’s future with LIV is officially up in the air. His four-year contract is ending soon, which means he’s got a big decision to make—stick with LIV or head back to the PGA Tour? Journalist Alan Shipnuck has been stirring the pot, claiming that Koepka (along with other big names like Bryson DeChambeau) may be looking for an exit. And let’s not forget Shipnuck’s previous claims that Koepka had “buyer’s remorse” about joining LIV in the first place. However, things took an unexpected turn when veteran golfer Phil Mickelson stepped in and called out Fred Couples in the process.

Just as the debate over Koepka’s future was heating up, golf legend Fred Couples added more fuel to the fire. Couples claimed that Koepka was eager to return to the PGA Tour, stating, “He wants to come back. I believe he really wants to come back and play the Tour.”

Now, whether that’s true or not, Phil Mickelson was not having it. Mickelson, who has been one of LIV’s biggest defenders, took to Twitter to call out Couples, saying: “If it’s not true, he damaged a relationship which he cares about. If it is true, he took away Brooks’ control of the timeline and narrative. Either way, this is a low-class jerk move by Fred.”

Ouch. But, in a surprising twist, Mickelson later deleted the tweet. Now, was it just an impulsive reaction, or did he realize that stirring more drama wasn’t worth it? Either way, the damage was done. Screenshots were taken, and the internet never forgets.

Fans call out Fred Couples for speaking on Brooks Koepka’s behalf

By claiming that Koepka “wants to come back” to the PGA Tour, Couples put himself right in the middle of the ongoing LIV vs. PGA debate—and fans aren’t happy about it. Mickelson wasted no time calling Couples out, and now, golf fans are rallying behind Lefty, blasting Couples for overstepping. “Everyone loves Fred, but Phil is right,” one user wrote. Couples has been a fan favorite for decades, known for his smooth swing and laid-back demeanor. But even his supporters are calling him out on this one. While it’s fair to have opinions on LIV Golf and its defectors, publicly speaking for another player—especially someone as fiercely independent as Koepka—was bound to stir controversy.

Another user chimed in, writing, “Fair point by Phil. Speak for yourself and your family, don’t speak for another man.” It’s a basic rule: you don’t put words in someone else’s mouth. Whether Koepka is considering a return or not, that’s his business and his decision to announce. And with his LIV contract set to expire this year, speculation is already running wild. By jumping in now, Couples didn’t just add fuel to the fire—he might have forced Koepka into responding when he wasn’t ready to.

One fan summed it up: “Totally agree. You never, ever reveal people’s private and personal feelings/intentions with the general public without their consent. Mistake by Fred. And sounds like Fred’s just speculating/guessing anyway; not that Brooks actually said this.”

That’s the biggest issue—there’s no actual confirmation that Koepka ever said he wanted to return. Yes, he’s competitive. Yes, he lives for the majors. But does that mean he’s ready to ditch LIV? Not necessarily. He’s been vocal about enjoying the league’s energy, and with a new CEO in charge, he seems optimistic. “We got the right people in charge now. And I’m excited to see where it goes,” he recently said on The Joe Pomp Show. And the fact that he used “we” shows he still sees himself as part of LIV.

Then, there’s the fatigue factor. One fan put it bluntly: “These guys better be careful or they will turn fans away with this stuff. Play golf and stay out of the politics of this.” Ah, the age-old plea from golf purists—let the clubs do the talking. For nearly two years, golf has been less about the game and more about drama. Every week, it feels like another headline emerges: mergers, new policies, or TV ratings instead of what’s happening inside the ropes. This frustration is understandable. With The Players Championship and The Masters coming up, most golf fans just want to watch their favorite players compete without all the politics.

But the strongest reactions? They were about Couples himself. “Love Freddy,, always have, but he has turned into a pga stooge.” Ouch. But not surprising. Couples has been a vocal critic of LIV Golf from the beginning. He’s called Sergio Garcia a “clown” and Mickelson a “nutbag.” He even mocked LIV’s massive payouts, saying, “If you’re giving Phil Mickelson $200 million, at age 53, to shoot 74 and 75, God bless you.” Given that history, it’s easy to see why LIV supporters feel like Couples is just toeing the PGA Tour’s line.

So, was this really about Koepka? Or just another jab at LIV? Either way, the message from fans is clear: let Koepka speak for himself. And while Mickelson has since deleted his tweet, the debate isn’t going anywhere.

As for Koepka? He’s keeping quiet. And at this point, that might be the smartest move of all.